The cost of fixed rate mortgages has fallen again.

Skipton Building Society has launched a two year fixed (Aug -2011) at 2.48 per cent. It is the cheapest short-term deal available, but there is a catch.

Borrowers need at least 40% equity or a deposit and there is a 3196 application fee plus a 31,800 completion fee.

Chelsea, part of Yorkshire Building Society, has launched the lowest ever 5 year fixed rate at 3.39%.  There is a £1,1495 fee and borrowers need a 30% deposit.  Chelsea has also launched 5, 6 and 7 year fixed rates.  Borrowers with a 30% deposit can get a 3.99% rate regardless of the term.  This rises to 4.89% for those with 20% equity or 5.39% for 10% equity.

Negative EquityHomeowners who bought at the peak of the market face four more years of negative equity, a housing group said.

The National Housing Federation (NHF) said the average buyer in England paid £216,800 for a home in 2007.

They may now have to wait until 2014 before prices recover enough to make their homes worth more than their loan.

Meanwhile, figures from the Bank of England show that the number of mortgages approved for UK home buyers was barely changed in July at 48,722.

You can read more at the BBC Website here.

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